Unijos Gears Up For FISU Trials As NUGA Officials Assess Readiness

UNIVERSITY OF JOS, JOS NIGERIA

(OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR)

INFORMATION, PUBLICATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS & PROTOCOL DIVISION

PRESS RELEASE

UNIJOS GEARS UP FOR FISU TRIALS AS NUGA OFFICIALS ASSESS READINESS

The University of Jos (UNIJOS) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a successful and hitch-free hosting of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA). This is as the University prepares towards the successful hosting of Federation of International University Sports (FISU) Trials ahead of the World University Games holding in the Rhine-Ruhr Region of Germany in July this year.

This assurance was given by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, when the University Management received the President of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), Engr Professor Bawa Mohammed, alongside other NUGA officials in his office. The visit was aimed at assessing the University’s level of preparedness ahead of the FISU Trials, which will serve as a precursor to the highly anticipated NUGA competition.

The Vice-Chancellor confirmed that the University of Jos is committed to meeting all necessary requirements for the smooth execution of the FISU Trials. He revealed that the University’s Sports Committee is actively working to finalize all arrangements and is in constant consultation with all sports stakeholders to guarantee a well-organized event. According to him, the committee members are holding regular meetings to address every aspect of the preparations.

Professor Tanko Ishaya further said, with the University of Jos poised to deliver an outstanding FISU Trials, stakeholders remain optimistic that the institution’s commitment and collaborative efforts with relevant bodies will pave the way for a remarkable NUGA competition. According to Professor Ishaya, The visit by NUGA officials has not only reinforced the University’s readiness but also highlighted the significance of teamwork in delivering a successful sporting event that will uplift the standard of the University sports in Nigeria.

While addressing the University Management, NUGA President, Engr Professor Bawa Mohammed, emphasized the importance of adequate preparations, noting that the successful hosting of the FISU Trials would set the tone for the NUGA competition, He stressed that NUGA’s visit was not only to evaluate the state of facilities available for the Trials but also to ensure that all logistics and requirements are in place for a seamless event.

Chairman of the UniJos Sports Committee, Professor Ishaya Pam, who provided an update on the status of the facilities earmarked for the Trials, assured the delegation that most of the sports facilities to be used were being renovated and would be fully functional before the commencement of the competition.

Professor Pam further disclosed that the University had entered into partnership with the Plateau State Government through the State Sports Council and other organizations including the Lutheran Church and Rayfield Tennis Club, to use their sporting facilities in hosting some of the events. This collaboration, he noted, was a significant step toward ensuring that no aspect of the Trials would be compromised due to infrastructural constraints.

Professor Pam assured that arrangements had been made to accommodate both athletes and officials comfortably, noting that the Plateau State Sports Council will provide some of the officials as additional support to the University. He further appealed to the NUGA Council to provide a comprehensive list of all necessary requirements to enable UniJos finalize its arrangements and guarantee a seamless and memorable sporting event.

The NUGA officials later embarked on a tour of the sports facilities to be used for the FISU Trials to physically assess their state and verify the University’s level of preparedness. The inspection tour provided an opportunity for the delegation to interact with key stakeholders involved in the preparation process including the Director, Plateau State Sports Council. Professor Ezra Gunen, where they offered their recommendations.

The FISU trials to be hosted by the University of Jos from 6th to 12th April, 2025, will have about fifty-four participating Universities and over 500 Student-Athletes competing in sports such as Badminton, Athletics, Judo, Taekwondo, Swimming, Tennis and Table Tennis.

Signed

Abdullahi Abdullahi

Senior Deputy Registrar (Information & Publications)